Most people love to spend a day at the beach. There is something about the sun that shines on the water that has a very seductive effect. The ever-present breeze offers an oasis of comfort in the face of hot and humid temperatures. The sound of the waves crashing along the shoreline, with their rhythmic cadence, makes even the most tense to relax. Breathing in the fresh, salty air makes you want to fill your lungs to capacity.

There are several types of beaches to go to, located in different coastal areas of our country. Depending on your location and your interests, choosing the right beach for you is a fun-filled endeavor. Let’s focus on the beaches of Florida. Since the state of Florida is actually a peninsula, three of its four sides are on the coast. In almost every part of Florida, there is a beach within an hour or so.

One of the many factors in choosing the right beach for you is location. Is it just a short drive away? Is the traffic too heavy and hectic, making the experience of going to the beach not fun? Is the lack of parking a problem? If so, you can choose to drive to a more isolated area. That way, even though you may be at a greater distance, you can relax and begin your relaxing experience on the go. Often times, the quieter areas of the beach also have ample parking that is absolutely free.

If you are looking for a family beach, stay away from beaches with tiki bars. It’s also a good idea to find an area away from the hustle and bustle of the beachfront shops, which seem to cater for spring breakers. Children can play in the vast sandy area, build sand castles, and bury their feet in the sand. Playing tag with the siblings along the boardwalk, with the water lapping at their ankles, is one of their favorite activities. Wading up to the thighs often creates a challenge for little ones to stand upright, as wave activity coming and going can throw them off balance. The wider the stretch of sandy beach, the better for families with young children. Cocoa Beach, Manasota Key Beach, and Mexico Beach are great for families.

If you are a spring break tourist looking for a lot of activity, the type of beach that would interest you would be located among the many “beach towns”. Shops, restaurants, bars and hotel accommodations are within walking distance. Beachfront sports activities you may want to include are sand volleyball courts, Sea Doo rentals, and parasailing. Fort Myers Beach, Panama City Beach, and Daytona Beach are great options for more active beach lovers.

Retired snowbirds also enjoy the beach experience. Finding a beach that is easy to walk on is of the utmost importance. An area that has some shade is also beneficial for those who need to get out of direct sunlight for a while. Beach activities of finding seashells and shark teeth, as well as fishing, attract those in this age group. Beaches with a fishing pier within walking distance are a bonus for these folks. Sanibel Beach, Lover’s Key Beach, and Barefoot Beach are wonderful, easily accessible beaches.

Finding the right beach for you can be a very pleasant task. Just consider what you are looking for on the beach, your activity level, and your amenities. Visit several until you find what suits your needs. The experience is rewarding; the challenge is easy; the memories are priceless. After all, as the bumper sticker says: “Life is a beach.”